Smash

Smash - Season 1 Episodes

Smash - Season 1

"Smash" is a musical drama that celebrates the beauty and heartbreak of the Broadway theater as it follows a cross-section of dreamers and schemers who all have one common desire - to be a "smash." The series centers on the process of creating a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe - written by the successful songwriting duo of Tom (Tony Award nominee Christian Borle, "Legally Blonde: The Musical") and Julia (Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, "Will & Grace").

Episode 1

“Pilot”

The hit-making Broadway writing team of Julia Houston (Debra Messing) and Tom Levitt (Christian Borle) unites with producer Eileen Rand (Anjelica Huston) to create a new musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe, and seasoned chorus girl Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty) vies with newcomer Karen Cartwright (Katharine McPhee) for the dream role. Jack Davenport, Raza Jaffrey, Brian d'Arcy James and Jaime Cepero also star.

Episode 2

“The Callback”

Ivy (Megan Hilty) and Karen (Katharine McPhee) jump through hoops for the brilliant but temperamental director Derek Wills (Jack Davenport) as they pursue the role of a lifetime. Meanwhile, Julia (Debra Messing) and her husband Frank (Brian d'Arcy James), are frustrated by the red tape of an international adoption process, and Eileen (Anjelica Huston) fights to finance her new musical in the midst of an acrimonious divorce. Christian Borle, Raza Jaffrey, and Jaime Cepero also star.

Episode 3

“Enter Mr. DiMaggio”

The search begins for a Joe DiMaggio to play opposite Marilyn - but everyone's first choice, Michael (guest star Will Chase), has a secret. Karen (Katharine McPhee) returns to Iowa for a baby shower and must decide what she wants for her future. Eileen (Anjelica Huston) begins rounding up investors - but ex-husband Jerry (guest star Michael Cristofer) may already have poisoned the well.

Episode 4

“The Cost of Art”

Karen (Katharine McPhee) must learn to advance in the high-stakes world of Broadway, as Derek (Jack Davenport) hosts a party for hot young star Lyle (guest star Nick Jonas). Eileen (Anjelica Huston) tries a sly new strategy for raising funds, while Tom (Christian Borle) goes on a first date. Debra Messing, Megan Hilty, Raza Jaffrey.

Episode 5

“Let's Be Bad”

Karen (Katharine McPhee) finds a new use for her acting talents as she joins Dev (Raza Jaffrey) at a high-powered government party. The drama between Michael (guest star Will Chase) and Julia (Debra Messing) heats up, as Eileen (Anjelica Huston) and Tom’s (Christian Borle) ambitious assistant Ellis (Jaime Cepero) forge an alliance. Ivy (Megan Hilty) senses trouble in her relationship with Derek (Jack Davenport). Will Chase guest stars.

Episode 6

“Chemistry”

Julia is struggling to avoid Michael while, Eileen and Ellis' friendship continues to grow as they hang out at a local downtown dive bar. Also, Karen books a side job at a bar and Ivy's starts to have issues with her voice.

Episode 7

“The Workshop”

It's time for the team to present ''Marilyn the Musical'' to possible investors however, Ivy struggles to perform and Karen must make a difficult decision. Meanwhile, Julia and Michael must face up to the consequences of their actions.

Episode 8

“The Coup”

As the team deals with the fallout of the workshop, Eileen is forced to deal with her estranged husband as her daughter pays a surprise visit. While, Derek asks Karen to help him steal the show away from Tom and Julia.

Episode 9

“Hell On Earth”

The team begins their pursuit of a marquee star, as Eileen (Anjelica Huston) charges Tom and Julia (Christian Borle and Debra Messing) with finding a title for the newly reinvigorated musical. Karen (Katharine McPhee) and Ivy (Megan Hilty) find themselves in competition again -- this time for an orange juice commercial. Relationship troubles abound, as Frank (Brian d'Arcy James) makes an unwelcome discovery.

Episode 10

“Understudy”

The show has landed a star, the mercurial Rebecca Duvall (guest star Uma Thurman), but Eileen (Anjelica Huston) is thrown into a panic when Rebecca gets stuck in Cuba. Derek (Jack Davenport) puts Karen (Katharine McPhee) in as understudy, but she must learn to perform under extreme pressure as he threatens to break her will. Tom and Julia (Christian Borle and Debra Messing) celebrate their anniversary with a ritual - and face some hard truths about what show business can do to relationships.

Episode 11

“The Movie Star”

"Bombshell" is turned upside-down by the arrival of movie star Rebecca Duvall (special guest star Uma Thurman). Karen (Katharine McPhee) and Ivy (Megan Hilty) are drawn into an uneasy alliance against their new rival -- but can they overcome their history? The romance between Tom (Christian Borle) and Sam (Leslie Odom, Jr.) heats up, while Julia (Debra Messing) and Frank (Brian D'Arcy James) must put aside their differences to address a family crisis.

“Previews”

"Bombshell" faces its first audience just as a major crisis hits Rebecca Duvall (special guest star Uma Thurman). The team of Tom (Christian Borle) and Julia (Debra Messing) scramble to fix the show when the first preview falls short, and Frank (Brian D'Arcy James) must adjust to the unwelcome return of Michael Swift (Will Chase) to his life. Dev (Raza Jaffrey) seeks reconciliation with Karen (Katharine McPhee), but explosive information about Ivy (Megan Hilty) lurks just beneath the surface.

Episode 15

“Bombshell”

The big night is finally here. Tom (Christian Borle) and Julia (Debra Messing) race against time to save the show, while Derek (Jack Davenport) makes a decision that will change the lives of Karen (Katharine McPhee) and Ivy (Megan Hilty) forever. Ellis (Jaime Cepero) reveals his true colors. But when he finally makes his move to save "Bombshell," will it be for or against Eileen (Anjelica Huston)? In the midst of it all, another bombshell goes off - this one is in Karen and Dev's (Raza Jaffrey) relationship.